Vista - System Recovery Options Not Available

I have an OEM installation of Vista Ultimate (x32) on a new pc. I am unable
to run System Recovery Options either from the Vista DVD or from the WinRE
partition using the Advanced Boot Menu. The support personnel at my OEM
advice that re-installing Vista is my only option to enable Sytsem Recovery
Options. Does anyone have any less drastic alternatives?

To confirm my situation:-
* on booting from the Vista DVD I get the 'language, time and keyboard'
screen, then the 'Install Now' screen but this does not include "Repair Your
Computer" at the bottom left.

* If I hit F8 during boot I get to the Advanced Boot Menu. This has 11
options starting with Safe Mode but it does not have "Repair Your Computer"
as the first option.

I am having problems with an intermitent boot and shutdown problem and so I
would like to try Startup Repair.

Are you sure you are actually *rebooting* using the Windows Installation DVD
(i.e insert the dvd, shutdown/restart the PC, boot from DVD) rather than
just inserting the DVD and opening it from within Vista?


--
Andy Sweet
Windows User Assistance team
Microsoft Corporation

Yes.

Incidentally, by 'x32' I meant the 32bit version as opposed to 64.
Apologies for the confusion.

"Andy Sweet [MSFT]" wrote:

> Are you sure you are actually *rebooting* using the Windows Installation DVD
> (i.e insert the dvd, shutdown/restart the PC, boot from DVD) rather than
> just inserting the DVD and opening it from within Vista?
>
>
> --
> Andy Sweet
> Windows User Assistance team
> Microsoft Corporation
>

Hmm, not sure what to say--if it's an OEM machine, they are probably your
best bet for actual support.

Startup Repair help topic states: If you experience problems while trying to
run Startup Repair, or if your computer does not include Startup Repair,
your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check
the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's
website.

More info at
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...f3f351033.mspx
and
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...4be5e1033.mspx

Some other options: You might try exploring the root of your problem: the
intermittent boot/shutdown problems (Startup Repair wouldn't fix a shutdown
problem anyway). For example perhaps the problem is related to hardware or
software recently installed, or a driver that needs updating. Or try System
Restore, if you can trace the problem to a specific date that you have a
restore point for.

Best of luck,

--
Andy Sweet
Windows User Assistance team
Microsoft Corporation

Thanks.

Unfortunately my OEM will only say "re-install". If I find another solution
I will post it here.

"Andy Sweet [MSFT]" wrote:

> Hmm, not sure what to say--if it's an OEM machine, they are probably your
> best bet for actual support.
>
> Startup Repair help topic states: If you experience problems while trying to
> run Startup Repair, or if your computer does not include Startup Repair,
> your computer manufacturer might have customized or replaced the tool. Check
> the information that came with your computer or go to the manufacturer's
> website.
>
> More info at
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...f3f351033.mspx
> and
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...4be5e1033.mspx
>
> Some other options: You might try exploring the root of your problem: the
> intermittent boot/shutdown problems (Startup Repair wouldn't fix a shutdown
> problem anyway). For example perhaps the problem is related to hardware or
> software recently installed, or a driver that needs updating. Or try System
> Restore, if you can trace the problem to a specific date that you have a
> restore point for.
>
> Best of luck,
>
> --
> Andy Sweet
> Windows User Assistance team
> Microsoft Corporation
>
>

Your problem is that your computer did not do a complete partition erase. That is the reason you cannot access F11. It only works when the system is completely and properly restored. You need to either download or buy a program that does this (Acronis True Image Home 2009 PC Backup and Recovery is a good program for this).But make sure that you back up your files first. Do the partition first, and when it is done (This may take several hours depending on the size of your computer), then you can use the recovery discs to do a system restore. You see, most of these recovery discs do a half-assed job of removing your partition. So you have to do it manually. After you finish with the partition and the system restore, you should be able to access F11 and do a system restore or recovery without any problems. Follow the instructions on the recovery discs and whatever you do, do not turn off or touch the computer until it is finished. You will know because the system will be off and the disc tray will be open. Don't forget also that you have to do a windows update to reinstall all the fixes needed and also a system update (I have HP, so I have to also do an HP update to get the fixes for HP).